3 Ancient Mantras To Cope With Pandemic Anxiety

Think back to where you were when the clock struck midnight on January first, 2020. Were you laughing and sharing a toast with friends? Who could have imagined that in just a few short months the world we knew would be forever changed?

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread with a deadly force through our communities and around the world, causing many people to reconsider the things we once considered “normal.” This is pandemic anxiety. A survey conducted by ABC News and the Washington Post found 70 percent of Americans were experiencing stress as a result of the new coronavirus outbreak. With the fear of losing your loved ones, becoming sick yourself, losing your job, keeping your children home from school, and working remotely it’s no wonder we are feeling the pressure. But there is a way to cope, and it all comes down to a simple tool: the mantra.

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Peace within the storm

Over the years I have struggled with anxiety and panic attacks. I was officially diagnosed with a panic disorder in college. The doctors were quick to prescribe me with an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication but I refused, wanting to do my own research and forge my own path. I knew my fear had to be confronted and so I began a holistic journey to find the peace within the storm. That’s when I found the most powerful fear destroying tool of all: the mantra.

Mantras are phrases, words, or songs that you repeat over and over again to clear through the mental chatter and bring you to a higher realm of awareness. In Sanskrit, the word “mantra” means “mana” or “way of thinking” and “tra” meaning “cross over.” So using the mantra, you can cross through the over-thinking, fearful mind, and tune into the stillness and calm that exists within.

In my life, mantras have helped me find my inner peace and eased me out of panic attacks. And due to their profound healing nature, I share mantras with my yoga students and client as often as I can. Here are a few of my favorite fear-destroying Sanskrit mantras to cope with this pandemic:

Om Namah Shivaya

Meaning: I bow to Lord Shiva

When to try it: One of the most powerful mantras for destroying the fear and realigning you with love within, this mantra calls upon Lord Shiva, the Indian God of destruction and creation. Try this mantra when you feel consumed with negativity, fear, and doubt. As you chant, think about how you are filling yourself up with positivity and joy and how all fear is soon going to be destroyed.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Meaning: The universal sound, I call for peace within, I call for peace around me, I call for peace in the world. 

When to try it: If you’re feeling unsure about the future try this mantra and watch as it evokes the most blissful feeling of inner peace. When you’re chanting imagine the world being a more peaceful place, think about a peaceful house, a peaceful community, a peaceful family and a peaceful world. Remember that it all begins with peace within you.

Chattra Chakkra Vartee

Full mantra: Chattra Chakkra Vartee, Chattra Chakkra Bhugatay, Suyambhav Subhang Sarab Daa Saraab Jugatay. Dukaalan Pranasee, Diaalang Saroopay, Sadaa Ang Sangay, Abhangang Bibhutaay

Meaning: You are pervading in all four directions. You are self-illumined, profoundly beautiful, and united with all. Destroyer of the torments of birth and death, an embodiment of mercy. You are ever within us. You are the everlasting giver of indestructible power.

When to try it: This mantra is very profound especially when you are feeling small, scared, or unable to cope. When chanting this mantra you are stepping into the feeling of being limitless, everlasting, and pure. Using this mantra you can connect with your higher self, the one that is immortal. Imagine yourself reconnecting with the Universe and your soul.